A not-so-critical perspective on Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Jen’s supporting role in Bruce Almighty marked her biggest blockbuster to date. As Grace, she played the straight woman to Jim Carrey’s escalating antics as Bruce Nolan, a television news reporter who is dissatisfied with his lot, and who, when he calls upon the Almighty (Morgan Freeman) to give him answers, suddenly finds himself endowed with His powers. After Bruce has abused his newfound influence and made some severe errors in judgment, he eventually learns what it truly is to be powerful. Jen turns in a strong performance on her end, making Grace sympathetic and engaging beyond the typical “girlfriend” role. The film itself is meaningful in a way that transcends denomination, and at the same time is hilariously funny and endlessly quotable. A few gems:
Bruce: First off, let me just add another congratulations to Evan Backstabber - pardon me, Bastard. Baxter, rather. It is good to see what someone with real talent can do when great opportunities are given to them instead of me.
Bruce: [sticking up his middle finger and pretending he's playing a jazz tune] I can hold that note all day, buddy.
Grace: I’ve got a very rare blood type. I’m AB positive.
Bruce: Well I’m IB positive. I be positive they ain’t touching me with no needle.
Bruce: Nice to meet you, G-d. Nice job on the Grand Canyon and good luck with the apocalypse.
Bruce: Bruce giveth and Bruce taketh away. Don’t like it? Megabyte me.
Bruce: Behind every great man… is a woman rolling her eyes
Bruce Almighty, Jennifer Aniston, Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, spirituality, film, comedy
March 13th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I really liked that movie, but Polly is still my favorite of all of hers…
May 14th, 2007 at 9:16 am
[...] Having previously written about the film, I’d like to further explore particular themes. Early in the film, Bruce relies heavily upon divine intervention to solve his problems and those of people around him. Even when he fills His shoes, Bruce continues to believe that a prayer is like a work order; put it in, and the guy upstairs gets it done. However, this system doesn’t work out so well, and he eventually learns that we, as humans, need to “be the miracle.” In her article about a quote on a Starbucks cup, Allison from Find Religion puts it more eloquently: . . . . [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 11:14 am
[...] one thinks of Bruce Almighty, fashion isn’t exactly the first thing to come to mind. However, Jen’s costuming as [...]
August 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am
[...] morning I have more bad news - Morgan Freeman, who played the Almighty in Bruce Almighty, was involved in a car accident in Mississippi on Sunday night. He and a passenger were [...]